Discovering Her Career Path

“It gives me the opportunity to connect with other people. Especially in NTHS, SkillsUSA, all of that, I’m getting to talk to people I really otherwise wouldn’t have talked to, and I’m able to make more connections. I’m all about connections.”

Coming from a family rooted in public service, Madison Townsend has always been drawn to a career where she could help others. Her father is a firefighter, and her mom works in the medical field and at the VA, which exposed Townsend to service-oriented careers from a young age. 

Fueled by interests in first responder roles and true crime, Townsend initially envisioned herself as a detective. But her experience over the past two years in Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Criminal Justice Program helped refine that vision. Now, her goal is to become an intelligence analyst for the FBI. 

“The people here are amazing, and I’ve met so many good friends here,” Townsend shared. “Our instructor (Jonathan Wells) is really good at helping you figure out what you want to do. One of the guests he brought here is kind of what helped me figure out I want to be an intelligence analyst.” 

At Francis Tuttle, Townsend has embraced a variety of opportunities, including competing in SkillsUSA in the CSI category and as a member of the quiz bowl team. Last summer, she participated in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Cadet Lawman Academy, where she spent a week getting a firsthand look at various aspects of law enforcement. 

She is an active member of the National Technical Honor Society, serving as the social media and design lead, and is also part of the National Honor Society at Edmond North High School. Next fall, Townsend is headed to TCU, where she plans to study psychology and minor in criminal justice. 

Recently, Townsend was named a Career and Technical Education candidate as part of the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The prestigious program recognizes graduating seniors for their academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. She was one of two Francis Tuttle students named a candidate for the program, joining Simardeep Singh, who attends the Biosciences and Medicine Academy on the Danforth Campus. 

In addition to her academic and leadership accomplishments, Townsend has earned multiple certifications, including First Aid/CPR/AED and C.L.E.E.T. Unarmed Security Guard. She is currently working toward a certification to fly commercial drones, further expanding her skill set for the future.

All of Townsend’s experiences at Francis Tuttle have not only helped her personal and professional development but have also highlighted the importance of building meaningful connections. 

“It gives me the opportunity to connect with other people,” Townsend said. “Especially in NTHS, SkillsUSA, all of that, I’m getting to talk to people I really otherwise wouldn’t have talked to, and I’m able to make more connections. I’m all about connections.

“I just really like people, and you never know who you’re going to see down the road,” Townsend continued. “Sometimes you might need to go back and call one of the troopers from Cadet Lawman to ask for help. Or maybe go ask one of the attorneys we talked to at the Attorney General’s Office. It’s really important, especially in this field, to have those connections because connections will get you very, very far. If you ever need something, you always have people you can fall back on.”